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About Gastric Balloon

This information is intended for general information only and should not be considered as medical advice on the part of Health-Tourism.com. Any decision on medical treatments, after-care or recovery should be done solely upon proper consultation and advice of a qualified physician.

What is a gastric balloon and how does it work?

It is a soft intragastric device which is filled with a saline solution and then placed in the stomach. It fills a portion of the stomach making a person feel less hungry. This, in turn, enables them to eat smaller portions while still experiencing the feeling of being full. For successful weight loss, you should stick to a customized weight loss plan that includes exercise and diet before, during and after the period in which the gastric balloon is in place.

Who performs this procedure?

The procedure is performed by a gastroenterologist, anesthetist, and trained nurses. It can be performed in a hospital or outpatient center.

How is the balloon inserted?

The procedure is minimally invasive and does not require surgery. You will be given a mild sedative. The doctor inserts a gastroscope (endoscopic camera) through the esophagus and into the stomach.

The deflated gastric balloon is then placed into the stomach. It is filled with a saline solution that is sterile through a small filling tube which is attached to the balloon.

Once the balloon has been filled, the tube is removed by a gentle pull on the external end and the balloon is left inside the stomach. This procedure usually lasts for approximately half an hour.

How is the balloon removed?

Removal procedure of the gastric balloon takes about half an hour.

It involves removal of the saline solution and then the balloon.

You will need to adhere to the same guidelines as when having the balloon inserted.

It is removed through the esophagus.

The doctor will insert a catheter into the stomach through the mouth so as to puncture the balloon.

Once the balloon has been deflated it is grasped and removed.

Preparation for the procedure

Since you will be sedated, you will need to arrange for transportation from the hospital. You should not take any liquids 12 hours before the procedure and no food for 24 hours before the procedure.

Advantages of a gastric balloon

Nonsurgical: The most common advantage of the gastric is that it is nonsurgical. It is also ideal for people who want to lose weight but do not qualify for weight loss surgery.

Temporary: A gastric balloon can be removed once the goal is achieved. It also does not cause permanent alterations to the body.

How long will the balloon stay in the stomach?

The gastric balloon is usually placed in the stomach for a period of six months.

If your doctor recommends using the balloon for a period longer than six months, a new balloon will have to be inserted after six months and the old one removed.

What happens if the gastric balloon spontaneously deflates?

A colored dye called Methylene Blue is placed inside the balloon to help identify any leakage or deflation.

If there is deflation or leakage, your urine color will change to green.

If this does happen you should see a doctor immediately for the balloon to be removed.

After care : After the procedure, you will be monitored in a recovery room or area. If there are no complications, you will be discharged and can go home after two hours. You will need at least three days to recover. Depending on your overall health and your body’s adjustment to the balloon you can gradually resume regular activities. You may experience some discomfort, nausea and vomiting the first few days after the procedure. You doctor will give you medication to help relieve the effects